Tournament Thrills at Miniboss
On the cool evening of April 16, 2024, the vibrant Miniboss arcade in San Jose, California, played host to the electrifying “MINBOSS and the MULTIBALL Crusade” pinball tournament. Orchestrated by Myriad Pinball, this event featured 27 competitive players engaging in a fast-paced format of 4 rounds, followed by a top-4 finals showdown across three games. The tournament was a whirlwind of excitement, wrapping up in just under two hours amid broken clouds and mild 66°F weather.
Battle on Black Knight: Sword of Rage
The tournament’s most intense battle erupted over Stern’s Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Pro) during the first round. This grueling game extended to an extraordinary 70 minutes as players clashed with the game’s notorious challenges and relentless pace. Lawrence Aguiar from Redwood City emerged victorious in this epic standoff, setting a high standard for skill and endurance early in the competition.
Tournament Champions Crowned
As the final flippers fell, the top players emerged:
- Dustin Goldbarg displayed remarkable skill and consistency throughout the tournament, securing the first place with an IFPA rank of 428.
- Lawrence Aguiar, after his dramatic win in the first round, continued to show great form and agility to finish second.
- Shannon Sweetser from San Francisco demonstrated strategic finesse to claim third place, proving her mettle against seasoned opponents.
- Tim Hansen from Sunnyvale, although highly ranked at IFPA rank 40, faced stiff competition and rounded out the top four.
Pinball Machine Lineup
Miniboss featured a stellar lineup of 12 pinball machines, offering both classic designs and modern mechanics:
- Monster Bash (Remake LE) and Medieval Madness (Remake) by Chicago Gaming revived the timeless charm and complex playfields of these beloved classics.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Premium/LE) by Stern and Jurassic Park (Premium) provided dynamic gameplay with themes that resonated with fans of the franchises.
- AC/DC (Premium Vault Edition) and Deadpool (Premium) by Stern were hits among players looking for high-energy music and engaging features.
- Attack From Mars (Remake LE) brought back the addictive challenge of defending Earth from invaders, much to the delight of players.
Location and Hospitality
MINIBOSS, located at 52 E Santa Clara St, is more than just an arcade; it’s a retreat that combines gaming with great drinks, delicious food, and excellent service. With free game nights on Thursdays and happy hours offering superb deals, Miniboss is a must-visit for anyone looking to relax, play, and enjoy some quality time.
Acknowledgements and Farewell
A huge thanks to Richard Godwin and the team at Myriad Pinball for organizing such a thrilling event, and to MINIBOSS for providing an outstanding venue. These tournaments highlight the thriving pinball community and the joy and competition it brings.
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